Bungaraya Island Resort

I stayed at Bungaraya Resort on Gaya Island with my partner and it was one of the worst experiences we’ve ever had. The rooms were unsafe and unhygienic - we had to move rooms every night due to leaks over the bed, bug nests in the wardrobe, multiple lizards crawling everywhere in the room and bathroom, and stained bedding. On one night, the leak became so severe we had to pack our belongings in the middle of the night. The resort environment was shocking: trash and sewage were visible on the beach, the water was brown, dirty, and foul-smelling, the coral was dead, and there were no fish, despite the property being advertised as an eco-luxury resort. Food was expensive and did not taste good. It’s advertised as 2 restaurants on site but there was only 1 open so we were forced to eat at the same place everyday as there were no other options. The service was appalling. When we refused to pay the final checkout bill, the duty manager (Felix) and resort manager (Karl Sims) refused to let us leave the island and held us on the boat until we paid. We were forced to pay under duress, which was extremely distressing. To quote the duty manager when I refuse This resort is misrepresented in every way - unsafe rooms, terrible service, and a completely neglected natural environment. Avoid it at all costs. Read the other negative reviews and also the responses from the poor management. They only care about profits and do not care about their guests or the environment. If you care about the planet, do not stay here, because this resort has ruined the natural environment and visiting is only making it worse.

I rarely write reviews, but my experience at this resort was so upsetting that I feel it’s important to warn others. From the moment I arrived, it was clear that the resort is run down and poorly maintained. Much of the gym equipment was broken, rusty, and unsafe to use, and only one restaurant was open — meaning all three meals had to be eaten in the same place every day. On top of that, the resort charges nearly the same rate as a full night’s stay just for a late check-out, despite being less than a fifth full. When I politely raised these concerns with the manager, I was met with rudeness and condescension. Instead of listening or offering any kind of apology, he questioned why I wasn’t aware of a recent local flood and suggested that I was being insensitive for voicing disappointment. I was shocked — I had no idea about the tragedy, and his response made me feel guilty and humiliated for simply giving honest feedback as a paying guest. I had to walk away because I found the encounter so upsetting that I ended up in tears. The manager never apologized, never tried to make things right, and showed zero empathy. The way I was treated completely ruined what was meant to be a relaxing holiday. I understand that local challenges can affect operations — but there is no excuse for unprofessional behavior or emotional mistreatment of guests. A simple, respectful explanation would have gone a long way. Instead, I was made to feel like the problem for expecting basic standards of service and courtesy. This resort needs serious attention — both in terms of its facilities and its customer service culture. I would strongly advise anyone considering a stay here to think twice before booking. There are many other properties that offer genuine hospitality, empathy, and professionalism — qualities that this resort sadly lacks. The response to our review contained lies with no resolution. Additionally we received no response to the email we had written to the team. I would strongly advise against staying at this resort.

Fantastic hotel in an amazing location. Food and cocktails were great and reasonably priced compared to other 5 star hotels in Borneo. We stayed in the two bedroom villa (no 38) which had the best view and quick access to the pool and beach. We were worried after reading the reviews but were not impacted by the sandlflies as we were very careful to put on lotion etc. There were monkeys around the hotel but the staff kept them away from the pool/ restaurant areas and they didn't impact our holiday - except for having to keep the bedroom door shut all the time. Would really recommend this hotel - a truly memorable stay.

An idyllic tropical island retreat where all the staff want to look after you. Huge and comfortable room (No. 8), great food and good attention to detail. Many reviews have commented on the macaques, we did see them but they did not cause us any problems at all. All you need to do is be sensible, don't approach them and be aware they may steal things if left lying around. We thought service across the resort was friendly and generally efficient. A couple of times coffee orders were delayed a short while, but who's in a hurry when at a resort like this? Any shortfalls were very much made up by an eagerness to correct problems and being friendly and helpful. There were some stand out staff - to name just a few - Haary, Fenelon and Najmudin. Thank you.

We loved it here, so quiet and tranquil, We didn't want to go home, Food very good, staff all lovely , Bungalow was lovely, Just beware that a lot of the Bungalows are up steep hills and steps, we had Bungalow 19 and ones you had done the steep walk to the bottom of the steps that lead to Bungalow , you had 74 steps from road to Bungalow, you could get a buggy to the bottom of the steps , but still had the steps to negotiate,